For several years now, Hollywood leading man Bradley Cooper has made his way from supporting character actor, to studio comedy headliner, to Oscar-nominated Best Actor. Now the esteemed performer is making his first foray to the director's chair, where he will be in charge of producing another remake of A Star Is Born (the first version of which was released in 1937, starring Janet Gaynor in the lead role).
Cooper's film is the next remake in line after the 1976 version of A Star Is Born (starring Barbara Streisand) - which itself was preceded by the Judy Garland version from 1954. Cooper is no doubt hoping to put a new spin on the timeless tale of a young singer guided to superstardom by her mentor, lover, and fading celebrity icon. After initially approaching the likes of Beyonce to fill the starring role in the film, Cooper has finally (and officially) found his leading lady.
According to Deadline, pop music icon and Golden Globe winner Lady Gaga (American Horror Story) is now officially onboard for Cooper's recently green-lit A Star Is Born. The movie will feature original musical compositions written and performed by Gaga herself, and will be co-written by Cooper and Will Fetters. Billy Gerber and Jon Peters are co-producing alongside Cooper and his Joint Effort partner Todd Phillips, in addition to executive producer Basil Iwanyk. Filming is expected to begin in California in early 2017. Gaga confirmed the news through her Twitter account, saying "[I'm] elated to be directed by & starring [with] Bradley in this project. He's a brilliant visionary artist."
After initially angling to make the movie while working on the set of American Sniper with director Clint Eastwood, everyone involved seems pleased that A Star Is Born will finally serve as Cooper's directorial debut. Speaking to the leading man's talents and latent ability to work behind the camera, Warner Brothers president of Creative Development and WW Production Greg Silverman only had positive things to say about Cooper, stating:
"For those of us lucky enough to watch him work as an actor and producer, it has been clear that Bradley would make this transition to director. We are honored that he is doing it, here, at his home—Warner Bros.—and with Lady Gaga as a collaborator and co-star. The world is in for a treat as these great artists craft an all new vision of A Star is Born."
With any luck, A Star Is Born will prove to be a more than winning directorial debut for Cooper - one that might yet grant its featured female lead even more acclaim and notice as a rising star on the big screen, too. A Star is Born tells a story that has (literally) been told several times before, but Cooper should be able to breathe new life into the well-trod narrative material with his own style and storytelling abilities.
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